Our 1999 ML320 Page

dedicate to anyone interested in the Mercedes M-Class

PROBLEMS    OPINIONS    MODIFICATIONS    ENHANCEMENTS    ACCESSORIES    LINKS

"One of the very few base model ML320's"

ordered :10/21/97

long test drive: 3/28-29/98

born/assembled: 8/28/98 (VIN ...0623xx)

delivered: 9/29/98 (11 month wait)

 miles (as of 12/16/99): 23,090 (FSS 600;  last service (A) ~11,000)

 fuel economy: 17.7 MPG  (14mpg - 22mpg)    trend: slightly up (recent long highway trip)

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Problems/Repairs:

• Return spring on right rear door outside handle was/became disconnected.

  This was corrected  (1/26/99) at ?? miles, when 3rd row seats were installed

• Middle outside seat belt anchors rattles, because a spring washer was not replaced when the 3rd row seats were installed (Smythe train you techs on some else's vehicle).

  MBZ Maintance has been informed of problem, (I couldn't find the part) they can find the part. Current workaround is to wrap rubber band around seat belt anchor bolt. This was corrected (?/?/99) at ~11,000 miles, when the first A-service was done.

• The fuel pump (mounted in the fuel tank) failed, while we were at least 1,000 miles from home!

  The dealership (?) near Cedar Rapids, IA could not locate the problem (I mislead them, claiming a transmission problem) after the initial indication of failure near Cheyenne, WO. But after we limped into the Colorado Springs, CO dealership (?) the problem was obvious and was repaired the same day! The fuel pump / tank level sending unit (pn# ?) was replaced (7/?/99) at ~14,000 miles.

•    The glove box light remains lit anytime the vehicle is on (key in position 2).

  The glove box door/lid may have been deformed by the "oversized" owners manual organizer. My clumsy attempts to "adjust" the light switch resulted in its destruction :-(. Will let dealer techs correct at next service.

•    The rear power outlet fails to work with our portable air pump (front power outlet works!).

  Inspection of fuse (F?) revealed no problem. Need to verify with multimeter, but I suspect this is another M7 (3rd row seats) install related problem. Will let dealer techs correct at next service.

• place holder for future problems

Annoying Nits:

• don't worry we think of some!

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Likes/Dislikes:

• Like + Manunerability (tight turning radius)
• Like + Interior room (feels bigger inside than it looks outside
• Like + Flexibility (simple seat reconfiguration and lots of tie-downs)
• Like + Drivability (decent handling and feedback)
• Like + Transmission (shifts when you want and when it makes sense)
• Like + Logical Assembly and Reasonable Fasteners (safer user mods, e.g. stereo upgrades)
• Dislike - Side and rear visibility (you must use the mirrors extensively)
• Dislike -  Position of rear wiper switch (hidden somewhere down low on the console)
• Dislike - Steering (need quicker ratio and more self centering, more positive caster)
• Dislike - Mediocre fuel economy (maybe too many short trips) 

   Our overall ownership experience has been positive enough that we would most likely replace our ML with another.

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 Opt M1 Lockable Storage Drawer added

 MB Mud Flaps

 MB Trailer Hitch (receiver) {still in the box, will install with backup warning system}

 PIAA1400 Fog Lights {still in the box, need connector}

 Yokohama Guardex RV/F340 245x70x16 Winter Tires (on 16" ATP replica II wheels)  purchased from The TireRack

 Third row seats {installed 1/26/99, photos}

 Panasonic CX-DP801 CD Changer w/ adapter installed under driver's seat

  35%/50% Window Tinting Film applied

 Opt M1 Leather Steering Wheel

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"Enhancements":

Solution to: "I knocked the cup holder out of the dash!" 

Solution to: "Look at all these stone chips!"

Solution to: "I can't see behind me when reversing!" (coming soon)

Solution to: "I can't feel the bass!" (coming a little later)

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Accessories:

 MB cargo area divider net

 MB cargo area small item nets

 MB folding windshield sun shade (works great & stows under middle seat), shown on base model page

 MB all weather mats (should be the standard floor mats!), shown on base model page

 Thule 50" bars and 415 railing feet (and assorted toys),  note: purchased 58" bars later

 Kanga 15cf RoofPouch (w/ RoofPad) {photo}

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M-Class Links:

 The M-Class Mailing List (w/ member's showcase)

 Harold Ipolyi's M-Class Site (my favorite) (visit it soon Harold is retiring :-(

 Harold Pietchmann's Site (explores all the capabilities of the ML)

 Ken K. Yee's M-Class Site (great collection of tips)

 The MBUSI Site (birth place of our ML)

 Tony Huegel's Great off-pavement/off-road trip guide books {Example Trip Photos - real soon}

 Wolfgang's Traction Page, lots on information on M-Class "systems"

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The Mercedes 3-Point star and laurels background is a scan of the sample hood ornament mailed to "early adopters" of the M-Class

last updated: 1999-12-21

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